South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is now committed to tackling mental health stigmas and discrimination, while helping any employees who may be suffering psychologically.

On Thursday, February 4 SCAS chief executive Will Hancock signed the Blue Light Time to Change Pledge - a statement that publicly demonstrates the service's commitment to challenging mental health misconceptions and promoting wellbeing.

After putting pen to paper Mr Hancock said: "There is no health without mental health, it is as simple as that.

"Caring is a core SCAS value and it is vital that we can sustain our own well-being and support one another as well as our patients."

But Mr Hancock, who is a lead member for mental health at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives as well, will also be working to help SCAS employees who have mental health issues.

Good mental health should be a priority in any workplace

According to research conducted by mental health charity Mind, people working in the emergency services are more likely to experience mental health problems than many other people.

It shows that nine out of 10 emergency services workers have suffered from stress or poor mental health at some point and that those who do are less likely to seek support.

Chief executive of Mind Paul Farmer said: "Not only are many of our Blue Light personnel struggling with their mental health but they're less likely to seek support or have time off sick than the general workforce.

"Good mental health should be a priority in any workplace but it is especially important that people exposed to traumatic or life threatening situations - such as those working within the police, ambulance and fire and rescue services - receive appropriate support.

"By signing the Blue Light Time to Change Pledge South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is helping to fight stigma and promote positive mental health in emergency services."

SCAS is one of more than 300 employers that has signed up to the Time to Change Pledge.